Have you ever felt like your creativity is in a rut? Like you can’t possibly come up with new concepts and ideas or like you can’t possibly write one more sentence (AKA me with every paper I had to write in college.) Whether you’re a painter, a homemaker, a photographer like me, or a businessperson, it’s so important to be able to express yourself creatively! Here are 5 ways to get your right-side brain back into go-mode.

1. Change up your surroundings!

If I could I would jetset across the globe (hello Paris!) every time I needed some inspo, but let’s be real, most of us don’t have that option. So, when Prague and Vienna aren’t in the itinerary, hop on over to your local farmers market, get a drink at the coffee shop that you’ve been hearing has the chillest vibes, or just go for a walk downtown and do some window shipping. I promise, being around real people and real things can get your imagination running way faster than looking at pictures on your phone.

2. Invest some energy into doing nice things for other people.

When you’re feeling uninspired, one of the best things you can do is get some happy-hormones to your brain. One of the best ways to do that? Acts of kindness. Pick some flowers for your mom. Pay for someone’s coffee at the aforementioned chill coffee shop. SMILE at people. It’s good for them, it’s good for you, and it’s guaranteed to inspire those happy (and creative) juices to start flowin’!

3. NATURE!

Take yourself outside and pay attention to all of creation’s intricacies. Draw from the beauty of the rays of sunshine and the trickling water of a creek. Listen to the leaves in the breeze. Take a deep breath. Smile at the beauty around you. After all, “The poetry of earth is never dead.” (John Keats)

4. Spend time with people who share your passion.

There’s nothing like listening to someone geek out over something to make you excited about it too. Make friends who are on a similar path in life, and be an encouragement to one another! Chances are they’ll understand what you’re feeling, and they’ll be able to remind you why you’re passionate. Remembering why you love what you do is where inspiration begins.

5. Release yourself of unrealistic expectations.

I’ve found that when I’m wracking my brain for inspiration, the best thing I can do is ditch the expectations and just let myself think, feel, and do, and then work out the logistics later. The fear of failure is the biggest creativity/motivation/imagination killer out there. Believe in your creativity. Trust that you are capable... and just get started. You might be surprised at what you can create.

So, if you’re feeling uninspired today, treat yourself with grace. Trust that your creativity will take flight, and help it spread its wings!